The Preconditions of France's Nuclear Buildout feat. François Perchet

We are often told that we need a World War 2 level mobilization
to address the looming threats of climate change. What if there
is a better historical precendent for climate action based on
science, peace and cooperation rather than total war, competition
and destruction?


We often speak of France as a shining example of a nuclear
buildout done right. In the last quarter of the 20th century,
under the Messmer Plan, France completed 43 Light Water Reactors
in 15 years out of a total fleet of 56 — a rate that is
unfathomable today. 


As a result France has one of the most reliably low-carbon grids
in the world with emissions free nuclear power continuing to
supply upwards of 70% of France’s electricity. In addition France
has electrified 55% of its rail network and a substantial amount
of its heating with this abundant low carbon energy. 


The Messmer plan was not however simply a political decision
delivered by the stroke of a pen.


I am joined by Francois Perchet, a retired nuclear engineer at
France’s state utility, EDF, with nearly 40 years of varied
experience in the nuclear sector, to dive into the complexities
and preconditions of the Messmer Plan. 


We discuss the history of France’s nuclear research, its post-war
industrial and human resources, its political system, France's
lack of fossil fuel resources, and the impact of the 1974 oil
crisis to understand how such a buildout of low-carbon nuclear
power might become replicable one again.